The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that 215 deaths were recorded from Lassa fever in 2025, marking a rise in the case fatality rate (CFR) to 18.7%, up from 16.3% in 2024.

According to the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 52 (Dec. 22–28, 2025), Nigeria recorded 1,148 confirmed cases out of 9,389 suspected cases during the year. Affected areas included 22 states and 107 Local Government Areas, highlighting the ongoing public health threat posed by the viral haemorrhagic disease.

While the total number of suspected and confirmed cases declined compared to 2024, the higher fatality rate remains a major concern. In the last week of the year, 27 new confirmed cases and nine deaths were reported across Bauchi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Taraba, and Nasarawa states, signaling sustained transmission in hotspot areas.

The report revealed that Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba states accounted for 89% of confirmed cases, with Ondo leading at 35%, followed by Bauchi (26%), Edo (16%), and Taraba (12%).

In terms of demographics, young adults aged 21 to 30 years were the most affected. Cases ranged from 1 to 96 years, with a median age of 30, and a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.

The NCDC attributed the rising fatality rate primarily to late presentation at healthcare facilities, poor health-seeking behavior, and high treatment costs, particularly in high-burden communities. Environmental factors, including poor sanitation and low awareness, also contribute to the disease’s spread.

To combat Lassa fever, the NCDC has intensified response measures through a multi-partner, multi-sectoral approach, including:

• Deployment of 10 National Rapid Response Teams to affected states
• Training healthcare workers and strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC)
• Distribution of Ribavirin, PPEs, and other response commodities
• Expanded risk communication and community engagement

No new healthcare worker infections were reported in week 52, which the agency attributed to improved IPC compliance in treatment centers.

Looking ahead, the NCDC urged states to maintain year-round community engagement on prevention, advised healthcare workers to remain vigilant for suspected cases, and called on partners to continue strengthening state capacities for rapid detection and response.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces, though human-to-human transmission can occur through contact with bodily fluids of infected persons.